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Orange County won't bill hikers for $160,000 rescue

Photos of Nicholas Cendoya, 19, (left) and Kyndall Jack, 18, of Costa Mesa, who were rescued from the Cleveland National Forest in Orange County after a five-day search. Courtesy Orange County Sheriff's Department

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Orange County Supervisors have concluded they don't have the authority to bill two young hikers for the $160,000 it cost to rescue them last month.

Rescuers from six different agencies spent five days combing the rugged hills of Trabuco Canyon. Friends and family rejoiced when Nicolas Cendoya and Kyndall Jack were finally found. But for some, that relief quickly turned to anger when authorities announced they found meth in Cendoya's parked car. He was later arrested.

Some suggested the pair should reimburse the government for the costs involved in finding them.